Taeyang Reveals Deep Friendships

A member of the five boy idol group Big Bang, Taeyang, expressed the deep friendship that he shares with the other members.
In a recent interview with Star News, Taeyang said, "The recent events that have occurred and the problems we have run through have actually made us stick closer together."
Taeyang, who began training at YG Entertainment since he was an elementary school student, mentioned his childhood friend G-Dragon.
"Looking at it from a friend's perspective, what happened to Ji Yong (G-Dragon's real name) is sad. But Ji Yong will always be a friend who is closer than family to me. Even if something bigger than what happened happens in the future, I will not let go of his hand. And I know he will do the same for me. We are friends for life."
A few months back in October, when the shocking news about G-Dragon's shameful misconduct was revealed, Taeyang wrote on his Twitter, "Even though it seems like I don't know, I know everything," and "Even though it looks like I'm being deceived, I'm just closing my eyes." For the first time since these events, Taeyang personally spoke out.
"Those words actually had nothing to do with Ji Yong. They were my thoughts about the world." He continued, "I was really saddened to receive such a misunderstanding."
As for the friendships he shares with the other members T.O.P., Daesung, and Seungri, Taeyang said, "Big Bang is still very much active. It doesn't even matter what our families say. There's no need to explain things in depth because now we all understand each other."
On activities and promotions, he said, "While we were on hiatus the members all got together to work on new songs. Big Bang's new songs are all made, and now we just need to do the finishing touches on the album."
"At the beginning of every year we have a single concert called 'Big Show', but we're having the concert towards the beginning of March in 2012. Around that time is when our new album will be released."
Taeyang ended the interview with a smile as he said, "Big Bang hopes to create good music and participate very actively during 2012. Thank you to all the fans who have believed and stuck with us through it all, we will not disappoint you."

"Journey To The West" Is One Of The Four Great Classical Novels Of Chinese Literature

"Journey to the West" is one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature. Now a number of foreign diplomats have become fans of the work, after their recent tour to an exhibition hall which was built based on the literature masterpiece.
The Chinese Exhibition Hall of Journey to the West, located in Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province, is a large thematic exhibition that uses sound, light and video applications to fully trace and interpret the classic work "Journey to the West".
The exhibition hall recently received a 100-member delegation of foreign ambassadors and of embassy staff members. According to the curator Qi Guirong, it's the third formal foreign delegation that has paid a visit to the exhibition hall so far.
Qi says that such a visit made by foreign delegations helps promote Chinese culture.
"I think international visitors will help spread the reputation of 'Journey to the West.' The novel boasts a wealth of educational content, in which innovation and team spirit are encouraged. After a visit to the exhibition hall, a German official has become a fan of the novel and arranged three successive visits for German government employees."
In contrast to the very ancient literature it represents, the exhibition hall is a newly-built tourist attraction. Qi Guirong said since it became open to the public in October 2010, it has received over a million visitors.
As a member of the foreign diplomat's delegation, Raymond Lopez, second secretary of Beijing's embassy of the Philippines, feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity to have a tour of the exhibition hall to satisfy his childhood curiosity.
"When I was young, we usually watched this on TV in the Philippines. The characters in that novel, you know for a child like me - a curious child - they made me feel very happy. They are very comic, especially the Monkey King. I learnt more about the characters during our visit this afternoon. It made me more curious, so most probably when I go back to Beijing, I will do more research about it."
Covering an area of 2600 square meters, the exhibition hall has eight parts, such as "Historical myth", "In and out of the book" and "Sand table". On the hall's second floor, there is a 4D cinema studio. The studio is built in the shape of a complicated furnace, the device in which the Monkey King, was tortured for several weeks by burning flames.

Wonder Girls Appeared On Yin 's News And Issue

On December 15, the Wonder Girls appeared on YTN’s “News & Issue” and talked about their popularity, competition, and music.
The show asked why the girls decided to move to the U.S. when they were already enjoying so much success in Korea. “A lot of people think that way, but popularity can be such a fleeting thing. At some point you eventually lose it. If you insist on holding on to it, and give up on the career path that you long dreamed of—wouldn’t you regret it more that way? There are a lot of things I learned from the U.S. promotions. We’ll probably never enjoy the same level of success as back then (in Korea), but I don’t believe we lost anything and I don’t regret moving to the U.S.,” Ye Eun said.
The hosts followed up by asking, “You promoted in the States for a year and a half. In that span, your popularity in Korea took a hit, while SNSD did really well. Did you feel any pressure?” The girls carefully answered the somewhat sensitive question as Sunye said, “Instead of pressure, we felt sorry to the fans and family members who waited for us for so long because we couldn’t show them anything. The year and a half (in the U.S.) is a period we can’t trade with anything. It’s hard to judge whether it was a success or failure, but nonetheless, it was valuable experience for us.”
Sohee added, “The toughest thing about living in the States was the language barrier. I’m still taking English lessons every day working hard on my English.” Ye Eun also said, “We love meeting with SNSD. We trade CDs and our friendship just continues to grow.”
They were also asked if they like any of the younger artists lately. “We care about our group the most, but we’ve seen a lot of new girl groups lately and they’re all very talented.” Yoobin expressed her admiration for IU, as she said, “I used to train with IU when I was a trainee. I guess that makes me pay more attention to her activities and I think she’s really cute on stage. IU was always really good at singing and had really catchy vocals.”
The hosts also talked about Wonder Girls’ retro style of music and asked if that was the original concept they planned for. Ye Eun gave a surprisingly detailed answer, saying, “Music, or TV dramas or novels tend to have a certain level of content exchange with different eras. I think we get inspiration from earlier generations and older songs. Sometimes we totally revive the past era or sometimes we just bring the motif from the past and recreate it by mixing with the current style.”

Madonna Will Have A New Album

Madonna will have a new album out in late March; it was officially confirmed today by Interscope Records. In one component of a very broad plan developed by long time manager Guy Oseary and Live Nation Entertainment, the Material Girl has signed a three album deal with Interscope Records. The new album, her first in five years, has been completed. “Gimme All Your Luvin,” the first single from the album, will be released the last week in January prior to her upcoming Bridgestone Halftime Superbowl appearance on February 5th.
In 2007, Madonna signed a multi-faceted deal with Live Nation that includes new studio albums, touring, merchandising, fan club/website, DVDs, music-related television and film projects and associated sponsorship agreements. “We look forward to a great partnership,” commented Live Nation Entertainment’s Chairman of Global Music & CEO, Global Touring Arthur Fogel. Oseary was equally enthusiastic: “We couldn’t be happier to work with Jimmy Iovine, Lucian Grainge (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group) and the entire Interscope team. We anticipate a very bright future at our new home,” added Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M. “Very rarely does an opportunity like this come around. We would like to thank Madonna, Guy and Live Nation for their belief in us.”
In other Madonna news, her upcoming film, “W.E.” which she directed and co-wrote is scheduled for a wide release on February 3rd.Over the course of her extraordinary three decade career, Madonna has sold over 300 million albums and holds the record for the most successful tour by a solo artist in history. She is a nine time Grammy winning singer, songwriter, producer and is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Her last CD, “Hard Candy,” debuted at No. 1 in 27 countries including US, UK, Canada, France and Australia.
INTERSCOPE GEFFEN A&M: Combining the legacies of three of the most influential record labels in modern music history, Interscope Geffen A&M embarked on a new tradition of musical achievement with its unification on January 1, 1999. Headed by Chairman Jimmy Iovine, Interscope Geffen A&M is a major force in global music, developing chart-topping artists across a wide range of musical genres including rock, rap, pop and alternative. Interscope Geffen A&M is part of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company.

Jang Geun Suk Held A Press Conference And Opened Up Its Shooting Location For Reporters And Fans

Earlier today, “Love Rain,” starring Jang Geun Suk and SNSD’s YoonA, held a press conference and opened up its shooting location for reporters and fans. Jang Geun Suk surprised fans by confessing, “I’m a fan of YoonA.”Both "Love Rain's" lead actors are mega-Hallyu superstars. As such, it doesn’t come as a surprise that they have many fans visit the drama’s studio. When asked if they had any funny stories regarding their fans to share, Jang Geun Suk replied, “All the actors have their own distinct personality, and their fans are also very different.” He added, “My fans brought me healthy treats like the Siberian Ginseng. YoonA also has a lot of female fans.”
Jang Geun Suk continued, “First of all, I’m YoonA’s fan. In order to help my co-star be in her best condition, I secretly put YoonA’s favorite treats, like coffee, by her car every morning. I am fulfilling my duty as a SONE.” YoonA responded, “You make it sound as if you buy me coffee everyday” to which Jang Geun Suk added, “While it wasn’t everyday, I was very attentive to her, bringing her coffee most days.”
Additionally, YoonA revealed that she was initially hesitant of her double role in the drama. YoonA stated, “It’s been about two years since I wrapped up my last drama, and I really want to go back to acting. I was given ‘Love Rain’s’ synopsis and wanted to work on it right away.” She explained, “However, when I first saw the script, I saw the double role, and I contemplated playing Kim Yoon Hee and Kim Ha Na. I felt burdened. But I did notice that present day Hana was a lot like me, so I didn’t worry as much as my 1970s Kim Yoon Hee. I was worried at how I should portray her. I didn’t know much about life in the 70s nor did I have a lot of experiences.” She went on to say that director Yoon Seok Ho helped her develop her character. She added, “We’re almost done filming the 1970s era, and I’m actually awed and excited that the parts that I were worried about wrapped up really well.”
Love Rain” is a fantasy, melodrama that centers around a love story in two different periods – the 1970s and present day. Jang Geun Suk and YoonA will play Seo In Ha and Kim Yoon Hee, two college students who fall in love with each other in the 1970s. Unfortunately, these two do not get their happily ever after. Fast forward to the present, Seo Joon, In Ha’s son (also played by Jang Geun Suk) meets and falls in love with Ha Na, Yoon Hee’s daughter (also played by YoonA).
Director Yoon Seok Ho and writer Oh Soo Yeon, the masterminds behind the sensational melodramas “Winter Sonata” and “Autumn in my Heart” will team up once again to produce “Love Rain.” With the combination of Jang Geun Suk, YoonA, director Yoon Seok Ho, and writer Oh Soo Yeon, it doesn't come as a surprise that “Love Rain” has already secured a Japanese broadcaster.

James Levine Has Withdrawn Fom Conducting To The End Of The 2012-13 Season

James Levine, the Metropolitan Opera's music director for 40 years, has withdrawn from conducting to the end of the 2012-13 season to recuperate from a spinal injury, the opera house said on Friday.He missed the first half of this season following emergency surgery after a fall on vacation last August."While this is a blow to Jim, our company, and his many fans, we want to make it possible for him to eventually return to the Met," Peter Gelb, the Met's general manager, said in a statement.
"The extended time off will give him the opportunity to recover fully, while also providing the Met with the chance to offer the best replacement conductors for next season."The Met's 2012-13 season and casting will be announced in February.The Met said it expected Levine to gradually resume his other duties as musical director including coaching and planning, and artistic leadership of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program.
Levine said in a statement that he had discussed his decision with Gelb and other members of the Met."We have come to the conclusion that it would be profoundly unfair to the public and the Met company to announce a conducting schedule for me that may have to be altered at a later date," Levine said."As my condition improves, I feel confident I will be ready to conduct again soon, but I cannot risk a premature announcement."Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi, who has already substituted for Levine this season, will conduct the cycles of Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen this coming April and May.Levine has been at a rehabilitation facility since September.

Brian Regan Is One Of The Foremost Standup Comics Currently In The Business

Having had specials on Comedy Central and appearing on television shows such as "Late Show with David Letterman," Brian Regan is one of the foremost standup comics currently in the business. One element of his style that makes him stand out is that he doesn't use profanity in his performances. His style tends toward the observational, sarcastic and self-deprecating brand of humor. His comedy has been praised by sources ranging from The Onion to The Wall Street Journal. Recently, this newspaper had an opportunity to ask Regan some questions.

QUESTION: How did you decide to become a comedian?

ANSWER: I decided while I was in college that making people laugh in speech class was more fun than adding up numbers correctly in accounting class.

Q: Were you the class clown, or is that like the comedian stereotype?

A: I wasn't really the "class clown," but more the "small circle of friends clown." But that doesn't sound as cool.

Q: How did your career get started?

A: There were a few different "starting" points, depending on how you define "starting." The first time I was paid ($10) was after I bombed in front of a bunch of kids and their parents at "Mickey Mouse's Birthday Party," opening for cartoons. That is not a joke.

Q: How do you put a show together?

A: If it's an hour-long show, I hit the stage with a rough outline of bits that move around from night to night like tectonic plates, and in between those plates I toss in new stuff.

Q: Is there any topic that's off limits?

A: I don't mess with people who get up to go to the bathroom. The one laugh isn't worth the rest of the audience squirming in their seats the rest of the show, wishing they could get up to use the restroom.

Q: How about your influences? What comedians or writers have had an impact on your work?

A: There are many funny people I admire: Johnny Carson for his kindness toward his guests; Jonathon Winters for his off-the-charts ad-libbing skills; George Carlin for his volume of work and keen point of view; Richard Pryor for being one the most organically funny people to ever walk the planet; Steve Martin for his ability to make something so unfunny so funny.

Q: Your website has a way for fans to upload videos and photos. How has social media worked for your career?

A: I'm behind the curve with the social media stuff. Every once in a while, people who know about that stuff have to sit me down and explain that the world is changing and that I have to change with it. Then I conclude those meetings by asking if we sell some LP's for Beta Walkmans.

Q: Do you have any career highlights?

A: The biggest night of my career was when I passed my audition at "The Comic Strip" comedy club in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It meant I was a "comedian." It wasn't long before I was taking the trash out behind that club. But now, I take the trash out behind theaters!

The Wedding Day Is One Of The Special Days Of Your Lives

The wedding day is one of the special days of your lives. It is on this day that two people who are in love with each other are sworn to loyalty before God. This grand event is captured through the lens of a camera so that it can be recalled and cherished time and again. As result you require a professional expertise of a wedding photographer to capture these wonderful moments and make them permanent. You will have to select one after comparing the rates, experience and expertise of a couple of them.
First, decide on your professional wedding photography budget. When determining your wedding photography budget, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. As a general rule of thumb, you should expect to invest about 10% of your total wedding budget toward a wedding photographer (this does not include a high-end wedding album or special custom prints). This might seem like a lot, but when you consider that, besides the dress, the only thing you can take away from your wedding day are the photos, it is a reasonable investment to make.
No matter what options you choose as a baseline, your wedding photographer should provide you with edited images that are properly exposed and color corrected, while providing an after-effects menu of services for custom cropping, image retouching, or special effects. Also, you should be given the ability to view your wedding pictures online. Higher-end wedding photographers often host a private viewing session in their studios first for you, your family, and a select group of friends before your photos are released online. This can be a very nice touch and an excellent way, post-honeymoon, to gather your close friends, catch up, and revisit your special day
Second, build a list of wedding photographers whose style you like and whose price ranges fit within your budget. Next, visit the wedding photographers websites, and spend some time carefully reviewing their wedding photos and wedding photography packages. Look to see if the wedding photographer takes the kinds of images you like, incorporating a good mix of indoor, outdoor, candid, portrait, fine art, and detail photography. A good wedding photographer needs to be capable of executing a number of photographic styles and approaches in various conditions in order to capture your day well. This should be reflected in the sample photos you view online. Reasonable wedding photographers list their wedding photography packages and prices online so you can get a general idea of their cost structure. This saves time for you both.
Finally, a CD of all your digital wedding images at a 4” x 6” print resolution level should be included or provided for purchase along with custom enlargements and albums. But all this varies from wedding photographer to wedding photographer, so check around. And like most other things, you get what you pay for, so be skeptical of packages that seem too good to be true.